What We’re Reading: Feb 21-27

Social data in rankings, never miss a free ice cream again, and how about a box of snow?

First sign of Spring in Seattle, WA

Spring Camellias in Seattle, WA

We know what you’re thinking “another top 10 city list?” However, what is most interesting about this 10 most creative cities list is the use of social data. Movoto combined social data (such as number of bands and artists that people in cities like or follow on social media) with data about the number of art schools and art galleries. What kinds of data can you gather about your city or town to glean insights into interests, trends and market niches?

The Federal Communications Commission approved the policy known as net neutrality by a 3-2 vote at its Thursday meeting, with FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler saying the policy will ensure “that no one — whether government or corporate — should control free open access to the Internet.” With so much of the real estate business being conducted online, NAR has been a long-time supporter of this.

Starbucks is abandoning the CD business at the end of this month. Pundits snarked that this means the end of Nora Jones. While the move is no surprise, only a few years ago Starbuck’s music business was seen as a ray of hope for the battered industry. They signed some pretty big (if not too exciting) names – Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Carly Simon. Maybe the should just sell vinyl…?

Apparently waiting for help at the Apple Genius Bar (i.e. in-store tech support) is a nightmare. I’ve always just reserved online and can’t say that it’s been much of a problem. Anyway, Apple stores across the nation will soon be streamlining the way the help desk works, according to a report on 9to5mac.com. The program, called “the new concierge,” should make it easier to get help with your Apple products.

Did you know National Pancake Day is less than a week away?! It seems these days there’s a “National Fill-in-the-blank Day” for pretty much everything. How does one keep track in order to score the treats? Wisebread to the rescue with their handy infographic of year-long surprises. Nice to see that Tax Day brings lots of  rewards.

KFC is testing edible coffee cups. Cause, you know, there was a real need for this…Luckily it’s only in the UK for now.

By now, you’ve probably heard all about the white and gold dress, which some purport to be black and blue. Wired gets to the bottom of it. While on the topic of visual perception and optical illusions: is the dancer spinning to the left or the right?

Making money off of Boston snow? Why not, especially if you are sick of shoveling it off your driveway.

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